A consultant with almost 6 years experience, Tatenda is currently working with Sun Mountain International LLC as an Environmental Specialist ensuring that NGOs/clients comply with USAID Regulation 216, best practices and country-specific environmental laws. Working in various African countries with different environmental requirements and diverse cultures presents both challenges and rewards. Even though a similar challenge is tackled differently in different countries, this offers exciting opportunities to learn new things. In addition to his current position, he has experience in international projects, IFC Performance Standards, Africa Development Bank requirements and other standards. Over the past 6 years, he has successfully done ESIA projects in mining, energy sector, agriculture, NGOs, construction and others. During site assessments, he has incorporated the use of drones in aerial surveys as part of the EIA studies. This improves coverage of site photos, 3D maps and drainage patterns analysis.

Tatenda holds a BSc Hons in Applied Environmental Science and is interested in pursuing an MSc in Renewable Energy. This is driven by his desire to see the sustainable adoption of clean energy to tackle climate and development-related issues such as poor water security and global warming.

Following the advice of a mentor who was a Chartered Environmentalist, Tatende joined the IES after realising the importance of guided professional development, networking and being guided by a code of conduct.